The High Court of Chhattisgarh has initiated a suo motu public interest litigation (WPPIL No. 84 of 2025) based on news reports highlighting the deaths of two children due to electrocution in Kondagaon and Pendra districts. A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Bibhu Datta Guru directed the Chief Secretary of the State to file a personal affidavit outlining preventive measures and compensation details provided to the bereaved families.
Background
The suo motu proceedings were triggered by reports published in The Hitavada (“Window on Chhattisgarh”) dated September 13, 2025, under the headlines “Child Dies at Anganwadi Centre After Electrocution” and “Child Dies of Electrocution”.
The first incident occurred in Kondagaon district, where a 2½-year-old child, Maheshwari Yadav, died after coming into contact with a live wire inside an Anganwadi Centre. Despite repeated complaints about exposed wires, damaged switches, and unsafe fittings, no corrective action was taken. Following the incident, the District Collector dismissed the Anganwadi Worker and Assistant from service, while the Sector Supervisor of Mardapal-2 was suspended for supervisory negligence.
The second incident took place in Kargikala village under Marwahi police station, Pendra district, where a six-year-old child died after touching an electric wire in a field. The field owner had illegally connected direct current to a fence for crop protection. The Marwahi police registered a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder under Section 105 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and an investigation was initiated.
Court’s Observations
The Bench observed that Anganwadi Centres are meant exclusively for children, and parents leave them there “with a hope and trust that the Anganwadi Workers/Assistants would take care of those children.” The Court expressed concern over the grave risks posed by illegal practices such as electrified fencing, noting that:
“It is frequently been reported that human lives are being put to stake by putting live connection to the fencing of the fields in order to protect the crops from the cattle, but human lives are being lost accidentally. There are no warning signs in and around the fencing that the same carries high voltage electric current.”
The judges also warned of dangers during the rainy season when flooded areas around live electric fences may lead to accidental electrocution, even without direct contact. Instances of wild animals, cattle, and even illegal fishing using live wires were noted as recurring problems.
Court’s Direction
While acknowledging that immediate administrative actions had been taken — dismissal, suspension, and registration of FIR — the Court emphasized that broader preventive measures were urgently required. It directed:
“The State has to come with a road map as to what preventive measures are to be taken so that no life of human, cattle or wild animals is lost because of electrocution, whether it be in any government building/premises or agricultural field.”
The Bench ordered the Chief Secretary of Chhattisgarh to file a personal affidavit addressing:
- Preventive measures to avoid electrocution incidents in public institutions and agricultural fields.
- Details of compensation provided to the families of the deceased children.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on September 22, 2025.
Case Details
- Case Title: Suo Motu PIL Based on News Item on Child Deaths by Electrocution
- Case No.: WPPIL No. 84 of 2025
- Bench: Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Bibhu Datta Guru
